Medina, Saudi Arabia

Medina, an oasis set 620 meters above sea level in the mountains in northwest Saudi Arabia, is the second holiest city in Islam, and is home to 1.3 million people.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, population of approximately 37 million (2024 est.; approx 70% Saudis, 30% expatriates), with mountains and the Red Sea on the west coast, the Arabian Gulf on the east coast, and the Empty Quarter in the middle.

Mecca and Medina, the two most holy cities in Islam, are located north of Jeddah. The country's majority religion is Sunni Islam. Common recreational activities pursued by Westerners: desert camping, swimming and diving in the Red Sea, running, tennis, hiking in the mountains. more